What is the fundamental nature of the traditional Chinese calendar?

The traditional Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it tracks both the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. This dual tracking system is crucial for aligning the calendar with both lunar cycles and seasonal changes, which historically impacted agriculture and cultural practices.

How many officially recorded calendars exist in classical Chinese historical texts, and what does this suggest about the calendar's development?

Classical historical texts officially record a total of 102 different calendars. This large number indicates a long history of calendar development and refinement, with various dynasties and scholars proposing different algorithms and adjustments to better align with astronomical observations and societal needs.

What are the primary components that make up a Chinese calendar, beyond just months and years?

A Chinese calendar consists of twelve months, each aligned with the moon's phases, and an intercalary (or leap) month added periodically to keep it synchronized with the seasons. It also features twenty-four solar terms, which mark specific points in the sun's path and correspond to climate patterns.

What is the significance of the winter solstice within the structure of the Chinese calendar?

The winter solstice is a critical reference point in the Chinese calendar, mandated to occur within the eleventh month of the year. This ensures that the calendar's progression remains aligned with the solar year and the cycle of seasons, which is vital for agricultural planning.

How does the sexagenary cycle function within the Chinese calendar system?

The sexagenary cycle, a continuous 60-year cycle composed of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, is used to mark years, months, and days. This system provides a unique identifier for each day, helping to pinpoint specific dates within the complex framework of the calendar and its various cycles.

Why did variations in Chinese calendar algorithms arise throughout history?

Variations in Chinese calendars emerged due to differing algorithms and assumptions used by astronomers and scholars. The pursuit of greater accuracy in predicting natural phenomena, such as the movements of celestial bodies and climate patterns, drove these continuous refinements and adjustments.

What was the historical role of the Chinese calendar in relation to imperial authority?

Historically, the Chinese calendar was considered sacred and was a crucial tool for maintaining imperial authority. Rulers were responsible for creating an accurate calendar to predict natural phenomena, which was believed to reflect their mandate from Heaven and provided a significant advantage over rivals.

What was the consequence of issuing an illegal calendar during imperial times?

Issuing an illegal calendar was considered a serious offense during imperial China, often punishable by capital punishment. This strict enforcement underscored the calendar's importance as a symbol of the ruler's legitimate authority and control over timekeeping.

When did the Taichu Calendar, considered a foundational text for subsequent Chinese calendars, emerge?

The Taichu Calendar, which laid the groundwork for many later Chinese calendars, was introduced around 104 BCE during the Han dynasty. Its principles were followed by calendar experts for over two millennia, demonstrating its enduring influence.

How has the traditional Chinese calendar influenced other East Asian cultures?

The principles of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar have significantly influenced the calendars of other East Asian nations, including Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. While adapted with local customs and terminology, these calendars share the fundamental lunisolar structure originating from China.

What is the literal meaning of the Chinese name for the calendar, 農曆 (nónglì)?

The Chinese name for the calendar, 農曆 (nónglì), literally translates to 'agricultural calendar'. This name highlights the calendar's deep connection to agricultural cycles and practices, which were central to ancient Chinese society.

What was the origin of the character used for the Chinese calendar?

The character for the Chinese calendar ultimately derived from an ancient form representing two stalks of rice plant arranged in parallel. This imagery symbolizes order in both space and time, reflecting the calendar's role in organizing agricultural activities and celestial observations.

How did the Nationalist government attempt to handle the traditional Chinese calendar during the Republic of China era?

During the Republic of China era, the Nationalist government initially attempted to ban the traditional Chinese calendar and its associated holidays, such as Chinese New Year. However, due to strong public opposition, the ban was eventually lifted, and the calendar was later rebranded as the 'agricultural calendar'.

What is the significance of the Yellow Emperor in relation to Chinese calendar year-numbering systems?

The Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) is a significant figure in Chinese chronology, with various epochs being based on his reign or birth. Many modern calculations for the Chinese calendar use an epoch starting from his reign, often dated around 2697 or 2698 BCE.

Who were some key figures involved in the Jesuit missionaries' attempts to reconcile Chinese and European chronologies?

Jesuit missionaries like Martino Martini and Philippe Couplet were instrumental in the 17th century in trying to determine the epochal year of the Chinese calendar. Their work involved dating events like the Yellow Emperor's ascension, which sparked interest in Europe for comparative chronological studies.

When was the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar developed, and during which historical period?

The traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar was developed between 771 BCE and 476 BCE, during the Spring and Autumn period of the Eastern Zhou dynasty. This era saw significant intellectual and cultural developments, including the foundational work on the calendar system.

What was the five-elements (or phases) calendar, and how did it structure the year?

The five-elements calendar was a solar calendar derived from the Wu Xing philosophy. It divided a 365-day year into five phases of 72 days each, with each phase preceded by an intercalary day. This system aimed to align the year with the cyclical dominance of the five elements.

What distinguished the Taichu calendar, introduced in 104 BCE?

The Taichu calendar, introduced by Emperor Wu of Han, was significant for establishing the 24 solar terms, dividing the year into 24 equal 15-degree segments of the ecliptic. It also refined calculations for the solar year and lunisolar month, setting a standard for future calendars.

What innovation did the Daming calendar, created by Zu Chongzhi, introduce?

The Daming calendar, developed during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, was notable for introducing the concept of equinoxes into the calendar system. This marked a step towards more precise astronomical calculations within the Chinese calendar.

What was the significance of the Yuan dynasty's Shoushi calendar?

The Shoushi calendar of the Yuan dynasty was significant for utilizing spherical trigonometry to calculate the length of the tropical year. Its calculated year length of 365.2425 days was identical to that of the Gregorian calendar, demonstrating advanced astronomical understanding.

How did Western astronomy influence the Shixian calendar during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties?

During the late Ming dynasty, the Shixian calendar reform, led by Xu Guangqi, incorporated concepts from Western astronomers like Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Tycho Brahe. Although the reform was completed under the Qing dynasty, these Western astronomical ideas significantly influenced its structure.

What are the two main differences between the present traditional Chinese calendar and the historical Shixian calendar?

The current traditional Chinese calendar differs from the Shixian calendar in two key aspects: it uses Chinese Standard Time as its baseline instead of Beijing local time, and it relies on modern astronomical data rather than solely on mathematical calculations for its determinations.

What role do the 24 solar terms play in the Chinese calendar and culture?

The 24 solar terms, each representing a 15-degree segment of the ecliptic, are integral to the Chinese calendar, marking seasonal changes, equinoxes, and solstices. Culturally, they are closely related to climate patterns and are used to guide agricultural activities and traditional festivals.

How are the planets incorporated into the Chinese calendar's calculations?

The movements of the Sun, Moon, and the five classical planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) are fundamental references for Chinese calendar calculations. These celestial bodies, sometimes called the 'seven luminaries,' provide the basis for tracking time and astronomical events.

What is the significance of the Big Dipper in traditional Chinese astronomy and calendrics?

The Big Dipper is considered a celestial compass in traditional Chinese astronomy. The direction of its handle was used to indicate the season and month, playing a role in orienting the calendar and understanding the passage of time throughout the year.

What are the 'Three Enclosures' and '28 Mansions' in Chinese astronomy?

The 'Three Enclosures' and '28 Mansions' are divisions of the sky used in Chinese astronomy to map celestial bodies relative to Ursa Minor. Each mansion represents a specific asterism, and the moon's daily movement through these mansions historically helped in counting the days of the month.

What is the sexagenary cycle, and how is it formed?

The sexagenary cycle is a system combining the ten Heavenly Stems and the twelve Earthly Branches to create a 60-unit cycle. This cycle is used to mark years, months, and days, providing a comprehensive way to record time and align it with cosmological concepts.

How is age reckoned traditionally in China compared to the Gregorian system?

Traditionally, age in China is reckoned using the *Sui* calendar, where a child is considered one year old at birth and gains a year with each subsequent Chinese New Year. This differs from the Gregorian system, where age is counted from birth and increments on the birthday, leading to the traditional age being called 'nominal age' and the Gregorian age 'real age'.

What is the significance of the winter solstice (*Dōngzhì*) in relation to Chinese New Year?

The winter solstice (*Dōngzhì*) is a fixed point required to fall within the eleventh month of the Chinese calendar. This rule dictates that Chinese New Year typically occurs on the second new moon following the winter solstice, ensuring alignment with the start of spring.

What are the 'Three Fu' periods in the Chinese calendar, and what do they signify?

The 'Three Fu' periods represent the hottest days of the year, counted from the first *gēng* day after the summer solstice. These periods, divided into 'first Fu', 'mid Fu', and 'last Fu', reflect a phenological understanding of seasonal climate patterns.

How were months traditionally named in the Chinese lunisolar calendar?

Traditionally, months in the Chinese lunisolar calendar were named according to natural phenomena observed during that period. For example, the seventh month might be called the 'orchid month' (*lányuè*), reflecting the blooming of orchids during that time.

What is the difference between a 'long month' and a 'short month' in the Chinese calendar?

A 'long month' in the Chinese calendar has 30 days, while a 'short month' has 29 days. The length of each month is determined by the lunar cycle, specifically the time between new moons, which averages approximately 29.5 days.

How does the Chinese calendar account for the difference between the lunar and solar years?

To reconcile the shorter lunar year (about 354 days) with the longer solar year (about 365.25 days), the Chinese calendar incorporates an intercalary, or leap, month approximately every three years. This adjustment ensures the calendar stays synchronized with the seasons.

What is the purpose of the 24 solar terms (*jié qì*)?

The 24 solar terms divide the solar year into 24 segments, each representing 15 degrees of the ecliptic's path. They mark significant seasonal changes, climate patterns, and agricultural indicators, playing a crucial role in traditional Chinese life and festivals.

What celestial bodies are referenced in the Chinese calendar for its calculations?

The Chinese calendar's calculations rely on the observed movements of the Sun, Moon, and the five classical planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These seven celestial bodies, known as the 'seven luminaries,' are fundamental to tracking time and astronomical events.

What is the historical significance of the 'Six Ancient Calendars'?

The 'Six Ancient Calendars' (Huangdi, Yin, Zhou, Xia, Zhuanxu, and Lu) represent significant developments in Chinese calendrical systems during the Warring States period. They are characterized by calculating the year as 365.25 days and often determined the start of the year based on specific lunar phases or equinoxes.

How did the Chinese calendar influence the calendars of neighboring countries like Korea and Vietnam?

Countries like Korea and Vietnam adopted the Chinese lunisolar calendar system, adapting it into their own national calendars. The primary differences often arise from the use of different meridians for astronomical calculations, causing certain calendar events to fall on different dates.

What is the 'Tung Shing'?

The Tung Shing is a solar calendar that has been used throughout Chinese history as an almanac and agricultural guide. It is also referred to as the 'Yellow Calendar' or 'Imperial Calendar', linking it to the legendary Yellow Emperor.

What was the role of the 'Four Pillars of Destiny' (Bazi) in traditional Chinese culture?

The 'Four Pillars of Destiny' (Bazi), derived from the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch of a person's birth year, month, day, and hour, was used in traditional Chinese astrology and fortune-telling. Consulting the Huangli (Chinese Almanac) was a common method for determining these pillars.

How did the concept of 'weeks' evolve in traditional Chinese timekeeping?

Early Chinese timekeeping used nine or ten-day weeks called '*xún*', which influenced the scheduling of rest days and holidays. While the seven-day week was later adopted, the concept of grouping days into sets, like the 'Three Fu' or 'Nine Cycles' for cold days, persisted.

What is the cultural significance of the 'Double Ninth Festival'?

The Double Ninth Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month of the traditional Chinese calendar, is a significant holiday. It is traditionally associated with activities like climbing mountains and drinking chrysanthemum wine, symbolizing longevity.

What is the 'Laba Festival' and when is it observed?

The Laba Festival is observed on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the traditional Chinese calendar. It is recognized as the enlightenment day of Sakyamuni Buddha and is also celebrated in Vietnam.

What is the difference between 'major terms' and 'minor terms' among the solar terms?

Among the 24 solar terms, 'major terms' are known as 'mid-climates' (*Zhōngqì*), and 'minor terms' are called 'pre-climates' (*Jiéqì*). These terms help divide the year into periods that correspond to specific climate changes and agricultural activities.

How did the Chinese calendar adapt to the discrepancy between lunar and solar cycles over time?

The Chinese calendar adapted by incorporating intercalary months, typically adding a 13th month about every three years. This practice, known as 'leap months', helps to keep the lunisolar calendar synchronized with the solar year and the changing seasons.

What is the significance of the 'Fu' character in the context of the Chinese calendar?

The character 'Fu' (福) is often displayed during Chinese New Year, typically upside down, signifying 'good fortune arrives'. Its placement is a cultural practice intended to bring luck and prosperity for the coming year.

What was the purpose of the 'Twenty-Eight Mansions' system in relation to the calendar?

The 'Twenty-Eight Mansions' system, originally used to track the moon's position against stars, was also employed to count the days of the month. Each mansion corresponds roughly to one day's movement of the moon, providing a framework for daily timekeeping.

What is the 'Nongli Calendar' and what does its name signify?

The 'Nongli Calendar' is one of the traditional names for the Chinese calendar, with its name literally meaning 'agricultural calendar'. This designation underscores the calendar's historical importance in guiding farming practices and understanding seasonal agricultural cycles.

How did the Chinese calendar's accuracy evolve over centuries?

The accuracy of the Chinese calendar evolved significantly over centuries through advancements in astronomy and horology. Dynasties introduced refinements to prediction algorithms and observational techniques, aiming for a more precise correlation between the calendar and natural phenomena.

What is the 'Qiang Calendar' and 'Dai Calendar'?

The Qiang Calendar and Dai Calendar are modern versions of the Zhuanxu calendar, which originated in the state of Qin. These calendars are specifically used by highland peoples, adapting the traditional system to their unique cultural contexts.

What is the significance of the 'Sexagenary system' in marking time?

The Sexagenary system, formed by combining the ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches, creates a 60-unit cycle used to mark years, months, and days. This system provides a cyclical framework for timekeeping that has been used for millennia.

What role did the 'Gnomon' play in early Chinese calendar development?

The gnomon, a vertical pole used to measure the length of shadows, was an early technological development that aided in calendar creation. By observing shadow lengths, particularly around the winter solstice, ancient astronomers could determine the length of the tropical year.

Chinese Calendar Wiki: The Celestial Chronicle: Unveiling the Chinese Calendar

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Introduction

A Lunisolar System

The Chinese calendar is a sophisticated lunisolar calendar, historically developed and utilized by the Chinese people. Its principles have also been adopted and adapted by various East Asian cultures, including Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese traditions. This calendar intricately balances the cycles of both the moon and the sun, ensuring alignment with celestial phenomena and seasonal changes.

Global Significance

While modern China officially uses the Gregorian calendar, the traditional Chinese calendar remains deeply embedded in cultural practices. It dictates the timing of major festivals, such as Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, and influences daily life through its guidance on auspicious dates for significant events like weddings, business openings, and agricultural activities.

A Rich Heritage

The evolution of the Chinese calendar spans millennia, marked by numerous reforms and adaptations across various dynasties. From early observational methods to complex mathematical calculations influenced by astronomical advancements and foreign interactions (including Indian, Islamic, and Jesuit contributions), the calendar reflects a continuous pursuit of precision in understanding and predicting celestial movements and their impact on earthly life.

Historical Evolution

Early Development

The foundational principles of the Chinese calendar emerged during the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BCE), building upon earlier solar calendars and the sexagenary system. The Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE) introduced a lunisolar calendar that commenced with the new moon preceding the winter solstice. During the subsequent Warring States period (475–221 BCE), several competing calendar systems, known collectively as the "six ancient calendars," were developed, each with unique algorithms and starting points.

Imperial Reforms

The unification of China under the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE) led to the standardization of the Qin calendar, largely based on the Zhuanxu calendar but with adjustments to month ordering. A significant milestone was the Taichu Calendar introduced during Emperor Wu of Han's reign (104 BCE). This calendar established the 24 solar terms, dividing the year into 24 equal segments based on the sun's ecliptic path, and refined the calculation of lunisolar months, laying the groundwork for subsequent calendar systems for over two millennia.

Throughout Chinese history, various dynasties implemented their own calendar reforms, often incorporating new astronomical knowledge and methodologies:

Taichu Calendar (Han Dynasty): Introduced the 24 solar terms and refined lunisolar calculations.
Daming Calendar (Northern and Southern Dynasties): Developed by Zu Chongzhi, it incorporated equinoxes.
Shoushi Calendar (Yuan Dynasty): Utilized spherical trigonometry and achieved a year length identical to the Gregorian calendar (365.2425 days).
Shixian Calendar (Ming/Qing Dynasties): Developed with Jesuit assistance, it integrated Western astronomical concepts, forming the basis for the traditional calendar still in use.

Modern Transition

The early 20th century saw attempts by the Republic of China government to abolish the traditional calendar in favor of the Gregorian system. Despite initial resistance and eventual compromise, which rebranded the traditional calendar as the "agricultural calendar," it persisted due to its deep cultural roots and the public's reliance on it for festivals and auspicious timing. The Gregorian calendar is now the official standard, but the traditional calendar continues to hold significant cultural relevance.

Calendar Structure

Lunisolar Months

The Chinese calendar is fundamentally lunisolar. Months are determined by the phases of the moon, with each month beginning on the day of the new moon. A standard year consists of 12 months, each having either 29 or 30 days, totaling approximately 354 days. To reconcile this with the solar year (about 365.25 days), an intercalary (leap) month is added roughly every three years, ensuring the calendar remains synchronized with the seasons.

Solar Terms

The calendar incorporates 24 solar terms, known as jié qì (节气), which divide the solar year into 24 equal segments of 15° each along the ecliptic. These terms are crucial for tracking seasonal changes, agricultural planning, and marking significant traditional events. They are categorized into "pre-climates" (minor terms) and "mid-climates" (major terms), with the latter often defining the month's name.

Sexagenary Cycle

The sexagenary cycle, a combination of the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, is a fundamental element used for numbering years, months, days, and even hours. This 60-part cycle provides a comprehensive system for dating events and is deeply intertwined with Chinese cosmology, astrology, and traditional practices.

Year-Numbering Systems

Imperial Eras

Historically, Chinese years were numbered based on the reign of emperors or the declaration of new era names (e.g., Jiànyuán, Xuāntǒng). This system tied the calendar directly to political authority, with the ruler's reign resetting the year count. The last imperial reign title system was abolished in 1912 with the establishment of the Republic of China.

Epochs and Chronology

Epochs serve as fixed starting points for calendar eras, providing a chronological reference. Various epochs have been used, often linked to legendary figures like the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi), Emperor Yao, or significant historical events like the unification under Qin Shi Huang. While no single epoch is universally accepted, the Yellow Emperor's reign, often dated to 2697 or 2698 BCE, is widely adopted in modern chronology.

Different epochs provide varying year counts relative to the Gregorian calendar:

Era	Chinese Name	Start	Year 1	2025 CE is year...
Yellow Emperor (Huángdì) year	黃帝紀年	Yellow Emperor (YE) began reigning	2697 BCE or 2698 BCE	4722 or 4723
Yao year	唐堯紀年	Emperor Yao began reigning	2156 BCE	4181
Gonghe year	共和紀年	Gonghe Regency began	841 BCE	2866
Confucius year	孔子紀年	Confucius's birth year	551 BCE	2576
Unity year	統一紀年	Qin Shi Huang completes unification	221 BCE	2246

Solar Terms and Phenology

Tracking the Seasons

The 24 solar terms (节气, jié qì) are a crucial component, dividing the solar year into 24 segments of approximately 15 days each. These terms are astronomically determined by the sun's position on the ecliptic and are vital for understanding seasonal transitions, agricultural cycles, and traditional festivals. They range from "Beginning of Spring" (立春, Lì chūn) to "Great Cold" (大寒, Dà hán).

Phenological Connections

Historically, the calendar was closely tied to phenology—the study of periodic biological events influenced by climate. Terms like the "plum-rains season" (梅雨, méiyǔ) in late spring/early summer, the "Three Fu" (三伏, sānfú) periods of intense summer heat, and the "Shujiu" (数九, shǔjiǔ) cold days after the winter solstice illustrate this deep connection between celestial timing and natural phenomena.

The 24 solar terms mark key points in the solar year:

24 Solar Terms
Number	Pinyin name	Chinese Name	Translation	Approximate Date	Zodiac
J1	Lì chūn	立春	Beginning of spring	5 February	Aquarius
Z1	Yǔ shuǐ	雨水	Rain water	19 February	Pisces
J2	Jīng zhé	驚蟄惊蛰	Waking of insects	6 March	Pisces
Z2	Chūn fēn	春分	Spring divide	21 March	Aries
J3	Qīng míng	清明	Pure brightness	5 April	Aries
Z3	Gǔ yǔ	穀雨谷雨	Grain rain	20 April	Taurus
J4	Lì xià	立夏	Beginning of summer	6 May	Taurus
Z4	Xiǎo mǎn	小滿小满	Grain full	21 May	Gemini
J5	Máng zhòng	芒種芒种	Grain in ear	6 June	Gemini
Z5	Xià zhì	夏至	Summer extremity	22 June	Cancer
J6	Xiǎo shǔ	小暑	Slight heat	7 July	Cancer
Z6	Dà shǔ	大暑	Great heat	23 July	Leo
J7	Lì qiū	立秋	Beginning of autumn	8 August	Leo
Z7	Chù shǔ	處暑处暑	Limit of heat	23 August	Virgo
J8	Bái lù	白露	White dew	8 September	Virgo
Z8	Qiū fēn	秋分	Autumn divide	23 September	Libra
J9	Hán lù	寒露	Cold dew	8 October	Libra
Z9	Shuāng jiàng	霜降	Descent of frost	24 October	Scorpio
J10	Lì dōng	立冬	Beginning of winter	8 November	Scorpio
Z10	Xiǎo xuě	小雪	Slight snow	22 November	Sagittarius
J11	Dà xuě	大雪	Great snow	7 December	Sagittarius
Z11	Dōng zhì	冬至	Winter extremity	22 December	Capricorn
J12	Xiǎo hán	小寒	Slight cold	6 January	Capricorn
Z12	Dà hán	大寒	Great cold	20 January	Aquarius

The Sexagenary System

Stems and Branches

The sexagenary cycle (干支, gānzhī) is a fundamental cyclical system comprising 60 unique combinations derived from the 10 Heavenly Stems (天干, tiāngān) and 12 Earthly Branches (地支, dìzhī). This system is used to mark years, months, days, and hours, providing a precise method for chronological notation and astrological calculations.

Heavenly Stems

The 10 Heavenly Stems are a decimal system, originally associated with elements and directions. Each stem is linked to one of the Five Elements (Wu Xing) and has specific symbolic meanings, often related to natural objects or concepts. They are used in conjunction with the Earthly Branches to form the 60-part cycle.

The 10 Heavenly Stems and their associated meanings:

Stem	Original Meaning	Modern Associations
甲	Turtle shell	First, methyl group, helmet, armor, beetles, crustaceans, fingernails, toenails
乙	Fish guts	Second, ethyl group, twist
丙	Fishtail	Third, bright, fire, fishtail (rare)
丁	Nail	Fourth, male adult, robust, T-shaped, to strike, a surname
戊	Halberd	(not used)
己	Threads on a loom	Self
庚	Evening star	Age (of person)
辛	To offend superiors	Bitter, piquant, toilsome
壬	Burden	To shoulder, to trust with office
癸	Grass for libation	(not used)

Earthly Branches

The 12 Earthly Branches (地支, dìzhī) are a duodecimal system, famously associated with the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. They are used to mark dual-hour periods (shíchen, 时辰), corresponding to two-hour intervals throughout the day, and are also integrated into the annual and monthly cycles.

The 12 Earthly Branches, their associated animals, directions, seasons, and time periods:

#	Branch	Mandarin Pinyin	Character & Zodiac	Direction	Season	Double Hour
1	子	zǐ	鼠 Rat	0° (north)	winter	11 pm to 1 am (midnight)
2	丑	chǒu	牛 Ox	30°	winter	1 am to 3 am
3	寅	yín	虎 Tiger	60°	spring	3 am to 5 am
4	卯	mǎo	兔 Rabbit	90°		5 am to 7 am
5	辰	chén	龍 Dragon	120°		7 am to 9 am
6	巳	sì	蛇 Snake	150°	summer	9 am to 11 am
7	午	wǔ	馬 Horse	180° (south)		11 am to 1 pm (noon)
8	未	wèi	羊 Goat	210°		1 pm to 3 pm
9	申	shēn	猴 Monkey	240°	autumn	3 pm to 5 pm
10	酉	yǒu	雞 Rooster	270° (west)		5 pm to 7 pm
11	戌	xū	狗 Dog	300°		7 pm to 9 pm
12	亥	hài	豬 Wild boar	330°	winter	9 pm to 11 pm

Horology and Timekeeping

Measuring Time

Horology, the science of time measurement, is integral to the Chinese calendar. Traditionally, days began at midnight and were divided into 12 double-hours (shíchen, 时辰), each corresponding to an Earthly Branch. Modern usage has largely adopted the 24-hour system. Months are defined by the synodic period of the moon, averaging about 29.53 days, with lengths of 29 or 30 days determined by observation and calculation.

Weeks and Months

Ancient Chinese systems utilized 9- or 10-day weeks (xún, 旬). The 10-day week structure influenced the division of months into three periods: early, middle, and late. While the 7-day week was adopted later, influenced by Hellenistic and Manichaean traditions, the 10-day cycle's legacy persists in concepts like the "Three Fu" periods. Month lengths (long/short) are determined by astronomical calculations, with leap months inserted to maintain seasonal alignment.

Celestial References

The calendar's accuracy relies on observing celestial bodies: the Sun, Moon, and planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn). Their movements, along with the positions of stars tracked through the 28 Mansions (lunar lodges), provide the framework for calculating solar terms, new moons, and the overall structure of the year. The Big Dipper's orientation also served as a seasonal indicator.

Cultural and Societal Impact

Festivals and Traditions

The Chinese calendar is intrinsically linked to cultural celebrations. Key festivals like Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), the Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival are all timed according to this lunisolar system. The calendar also guides the selection of auspicious days for important life events, reflecting a deep integration of celestial observation with societal practices.

Governance and Authority

Historically, the creation and promulgation of an accurate calendar were considered a sacred duty of rulers, reflecting their mandate from Heaven. The calendar served not only practical purposes like agriculture but also as a symbol of imperial authority and stability. The ability to predict celestial events, such as eclipses, was crucial for maintaining legitimacy and demonstrating cosmic order.

East Asian Influence

The principles of the Chinese lunisolar calendar have profoundly influenced the calendrical systems of neighboring East Asian countries, including Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. While each culture has adapted the system with unique terminology and local customs, the underlying lunisolar structure and the incorporation of solar terms and the sexagenary cycle remain common threads, highlighting the calendar's enduring regional significance.

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References

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Chinese calendar Wikipedia page

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The Celestial Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

⏳ A Lunisolar System

🌍 Global Significance

📜 A Rich Heritage

Historical Evolution 📈

🏺 Early Development

👑 Imperial Reforms

🏛️ Modern Transition

Calendar Structure 🧩

🌙 Lunisolar Months

☀️ Solar Terms

🔄 Sexagenary Cycle

Year-Numbering Systems 🔢

👑 Imperial Eras

⏳ Epochs and Chronology

Solar Terms and Phenology 🌱

🌿 Tracking the Seasons

🌸 Phenological Connections

The Sexagenary System ☯️

🔗 Stems and Branches

🌳 Heavenly Stems

🐅 Earthly Branches

Horology and Timekeeping 🕰️

📏 Measuring Time

📅 Weeks and Months

⭐ Celestial References

Cultural and Societal Impact 🏮

🎉 Festivals and Traditions

⚖️ Governance and Authority

🌏 East Asian Influence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Lunisolar System

Global Significance

A Rich Heritage

Historical Evolution

Early Development

Imperial Reforms

Modern Transition

Calendar Structure

Lunisolar Months

Solar Terms

Sexagenary Cycle

Year-Numbering Systems

Imperial Eras

Epochs and Chronology

Solar Terms and Phenology

Tracking the Seasons

Phenological Connections

The Sexagenary System

Stems and Branches

Heavenly Stems

Earthly Branches

Horology and Timekeeping

Measuring Time

Weeks and Months

Celestial References

Cultural and Societal Impact

Festivals and Traditions

Governance and Authority

East Asian Influence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice